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Data Entry Clerk I Salary in the United States

How much does a Data Entry Clerk I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Data Entry Clerk I in the United States is $39,266 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.

However, a Data Entry Clerk I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $49,382
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $36,314 to $44,561
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $33,626
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Data Entry Clerk I Salaries

A Data Entry Clerk I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Data Entry Clerk I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Data Entry Clerk I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Data Entry Clerk I (0-1 years): $39,266
  • Data Entry Clerk II (1-3 years): $43,644
  • Data Entry Clerk III (3-5 years): $48,704
  • Data Entry Supervisor (5+ years): $59,530
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Data Entry Clerk I0-1 years$39,266
Data Entry Clerk II1-3 years$43,644
Data Entry Clerk III3-5 years$48,704
Data Entry Supervisor5+ years$59,530
View as Graph

How Do Data Entry Clerk Is Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Data Entry Clerk Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $43,475.
  • California: $43,310.
  • Massachusetts: $42,733.

Top Paying Cities for Data Entry Clerk I

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $49,526
  • San Francisco: $48,984
  • Oakland: $47,952

What Skills Can Increase a Data Entry Clerk I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 5.33% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Computer Savvy (Mentioned in 2.09% Job Postings): Computer Savvy means that an individual is flexible enough to learn new concepts, methods, and technology as developed for private and/or professional uses.
  • Accounting (Mentioned in 0.91% Job Postings): Creating financial statements and reports based on the summary of financial and business transactions.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 5.33%
Computer Savvy 2.09%
Accounting 0.91%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Data Entry Clerk I's salary.

  • Sales and Marketing: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Data Structure: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Insight: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Sales and Marketing $43,193
10%
Data Structure $42,800
9%
Insight $42,407
8%
Get Latest Data

Data Entry Clerk I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Data Entry Clerk I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $43,956. While startup companies pay approximate $37,186.

Data Entry Clerk I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $37,186
Growth Stage 51~500 $39,328
Established 501~5000 $42,447
Enterprise 5000+ $43,956

Data Entry Clerk I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Data Entry Clerk I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Data Entry Clerk positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Data Entry Clerk I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Data Entry Clerk I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$51,046$25.030%
Software & Networking$51,046$25.030%
Biotechnology$49,082$24.025%
Pharmaceuticals$47,119$23.020%
Energy & Utilities$43,193$21.010%

How Education impacts an Data Entry Clerk I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Data Entry Clerk I enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Data Entry Clerk I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $37,111 and $39,506.

Data Entry Clerk I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Data Entry Clerk I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 2.3%
High School 49.8%
Associates 16.8%
Bachelors 27.7%
Masters 3.3%
Doctorate 0.2%
View as Graph

Data Entry Clerk I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Data Entry Clerk I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$36,314
Average $39,266/year
$44,561
$3,026
Average $3,272/month
$3,713
$698
Average $755/week
$857
$17
Average $19/hour
$21
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $44,561 $3,713 $857 $21
Average $39,266 $3,272 $755 $19
25th Percentile $36,314 $3,026 $698 $17

Data Entry Clerk I Salary Growth & Career Path

Data Entry Clerk I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Data Entry Clerk I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Data Control Clerk II $50,104 28%
Data Entry Clerk II $43,644 11%
Transaction Processing Assistant II $48,036 22%

Most common benefits for Data Entry Clerk I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Data Entry Clerk I

Here are companies hiring for Data Entry Clerk I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Data Entry Clerk I

1. Where can a Data Entry Clerk I earn the most?

A Data Entry Clerk I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Data Entry Clerk I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Data Entry Clerk I is $49,526.

2. What is the highest pay for Data Entry Clerk I?

The highest pay for Data Entry Clerk I is $49,382.

3. What is the lowest pay for Data Entry Clerk I?

The lowest pay for Data Entry Clerk I is $33,626.

4. What are the responsibilities of Data Entry Clerk I?

Operates data entry devices to input records, lists or other data points into an electronic format. Receives, validates, and updates data. May perform some related clerical duties. May require a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Data Entry Clerk I?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Data Entry Clerk I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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